HydroWing Ltd, the tidal energy division of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, has signed a contract with Ecodetect to introduce AI-driven environmental monitoring at its Morlais project in North Wales.
The system will use surface and seabed-mounted sensors, including underwater cameras and sonar, to monitor marine wildlife around the project’s infrastructure. Ecodetect’s software will process the data as it is collected, distinguishing animals such as seals, dolphins, fish and diving seabirds from seaweed, debris and algae.
The results will be relayed through a marine communications network, allowing operators to initiate environmental mitigation measures. The data will also be used to support environmental compliance reporting.
Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, says: “Tidal energy projects operate in sensitive marine environments. Ecodetect’s AI-driven monitoring solutions will help us balance performance and environmental responsibility. By continuously detecting marine life interactions and assessing infrastructure activity, we will be able to minimise ecological risks while maximising energy efficiency.”
The project, backed by the Welsh Government and the UK government, will use Inyanga’s patented HydroWing technology. The first device is scheduled for deployment in 2027. By project completion in 2030, 18 devices are planned, each with a generating capacity of 1.67MW.
Dr David Gold, CEO of Ecodetect, says: “Tidal energy will only reach its full potential if it can show it works in harmony with marine life. Inyanga is already leading the world in tidal stream development. With real-time AI monitoring, it can lead the way on environmental protection too.”
Morlais is owned by social enterprise Menter Môn and managed by Menter Môn Morlais Ltd. Andy Billcliff, Chief Executive of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, says: “The deployment of the HydroWing project will be a key milestone for offshore renewable energy in Wales and the UK. It is great that the project will embed state-of-the-art environmental monitoring, supplied by Ecodetect, an innovative tech company also based on Anglesey. This is a superb example of local sourcing, which will bring further momentum to the North Wales economy, generating new jobs and social value
